Teddy has also learned commands, such as “no” and “come on” and will sit, stand and offer a paw.

Miss Graham said: “He’s very, very placid. He will come and sit on your lap, you can stroke him, you can play with him and he would never hurt you.

“Teddy can help in many different ways with lots of different age groups. He can help people with dementia remember nostalgic times and he can help release the happy hormone and you can see that he always makes people smile.”

Teddy the therapy cat.
Picture: ANTONY KELLY

In order to qualify as a therapy cat, Teddy had to be assessed by a professional, and Raul Sanchez of Anchorage Veterinary Practice in Acle, officially declared Teddy as the first qualified therapy cat in Norfolk last month.